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10 shocking health benefits of rosemary tea

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14 Benefits of Oolong tea and side effects Table of Contents

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For those who do not know anything about Oolong tea, we must start by telling you that it is a drink that is processed and grown in large quantities in both Taiwan and China, the benefits of oolong tea are well recognized in much of the world because being semi-fermented usually obtains a very particular flavor that differs from black and green tea respectively.

Also known as wu long, this tea takes its name from the Chinese harvester of the same name who created it, being native to China, it is often served in Chinese restaurants with meals and is commonly known as “Chinese restaurant tea”, which More importantly, Oolong tea is believed to be good for treating a myriad of medical conditions and for caring for both hair and skin health.

What is Oolong tea?

Although this tea is located in the same family as green tea and black tea, the main difference between all of them is that the processing of all these infusions is different, for example, the sachets or leaves with which you make green tea, raisins previously by a heating process to eradicate the oxidation of this plant, but when these leaves are allowed to oxidize, the popular oolong tea is formed.

While, when it is left to oxidize for a longer time, these same leaves obtain a darker hue that finally gives way to the popular and traditional Chinese black tea.

Thus, green tea is unoxidized, oolong tea is semi-oxidized, and black tea is fully oxidized.

Fresh tea leaves are high in catechins. Having an oxidation rate of about 10%-70%, this tea is the richest among all other varieties in that it not only tastes strong and refreshing but is also clear and fragrant.

Oolong tea benefits health care.

In addition to its pleasant flavor and refreshing aroma, oolong tea benefits health in several ways.

It is more beneficial than other tea varieties because it has the combined qualities of green and black teas.

Since it contains significantly smaller amounts of caffeine compared to the other varieties, it is considered a suitable choice for those who are sensitive to caffeine. Some of the benefits of oolong tea for your health are the following:

1.- Cardiovascular benefits

Regular consumption of oolong tea is known to lower cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks.

For years it has been studied and proven that all those people who eat or have access to at least one or six cups of oolong tea per week have a greater chance of not relapsing or catching certain diseases that can affect the proper functioning of the heart.

2.- Fight free radicals

Skin lipids are essential for vibrant-looking skin. Free radicals speed up the aging process by converting skin lipids into lipid peroxide, this produces dark spots and skin pigmentation.

The polyphenols found in oolong leaves eradicate free radicals from our bodies, thus slowing down the aging process.

3.- Control obesity

The polyphenol compound present in oolong tea benefits improves enzymes.

Therefore, daily consumption of oolong tea promotes weight loss and reduces obesity by accelerating the lipolysis process that allows the body to burn more fat.

What is meant by this? Well, the benefits of oolong tea are excellent for a healthier way to lose weight, so consider it a good option for you.

4.- Prevents dental caries

Oolong tea improves oral health by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay and oral cancer.

Among the great benefits of oolong tea are some famous antioxidants known as polyphenols, which are quite functional because they can contribute to the comprehensive improvement of health and dental hygiene, which is why it is considered that intake.

The consequence of oolong tea helps prevent plaque build-up, fights cavities, and decreases the appearance of cavities.

5.- Properties against cancer

All those people who add oolong tea to their diet have the advantage of considerably reducing the risk of suffering from some types of cancer but in particular skin cancer.

The concentration of polymeric polyphenols like thearubigin and theaflavin is higher in oolong tea compared to other varieties, these antioxidants fight carcinogens and help reduce cancer risk.

In addition, they can promote what is known as apoptosis, which is nothing more than the programmed cell death of any cancerous growth that may occur in the stomach, the best thing about this is that they can act as chemopreventives that suppress other forms of cancer, such as ovarian cancer in women for example.

6.- Development of healthy bones

The antioxidants present in oolong tea protect against tooth decay and strengthen bone structure. It is very effective in preventing osteoporosis in the human body.

7.- Treatment of diabetes

Oolong tea has higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, calcium, potassium, selenium, fluoride, magnesium, and phosphorous.

These nutrients rid the body of toxins, optimize digestion and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes.

8.- Relieves stress

The natural polyphenols present in most oolong tea act as stress busters and ease mood swings.

Some claim that those who drink a little oolong tea for part of the day can maintain better brain focus and extraordinary mental health.

9.- Fight Bacterial Infections

Another particularity certified within the benefits of oolong tea is that thanks to its antioxidants this drink can effectively combat all bacterial infections that can attack the body, this is achieved thanks to the inhibition of the growth of some varieties of streptococcus.

Benefits of Oolong tea for the skin.

Regular consumption of oolong tea works wonders for the skin, but let us detail one by one what are those benefits of oolong tea that can work wonders for skincare.

10.- Treatment of atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a chronic skin disease characterized by itching, redness, swelling, scarring, and sometimes infection of lesions due to frequent scratching.

Various studies and medical research have determined that people who unify their dermatological treatment with the consumption of oolong tea have a greater chance of showing prompt relief than those who only limit themselves to biological treatment.

11.- Anti-aging benefits

It is well known that when a person is frequently exposed to free radicals, the more opportunities they will have to age, this is because the skin’s natural exfoliation process slows down and results in the appearance of premature wrinkles and dark spots. dark.

Around this, it has been proven that within the benefits of oolong tea are the necessary antioxidants that work to slow down cellular oxidation, this guarantees healthy and lush skin.

12.- Improves the vitality of the skin

Many are the people who want to show off a more elastic and more youthful skin, unaware that one of the benefits of oolong tea is precisely this, in case you did not know, this infusion regulates wrinkles and improves the tone of your skin.

The polyphenols present in the tea protect the skin from any damage it may cause due to sun exposure.

Oolong tea benefits hair

The benefits of tea for healthy hair have just come to light and are being used more and more in several hair care products.

Oolong tea, being an herbal infusion created from tender parts of the plant such as flowers, buds, and leaves, promotes healthy hair growth.

13.- Prevention of hair loss

The antioxidants that are added within oolong tea benefits are known to ensure proper metabolism of the male hormone, DHT, as any change in its metabolic activity results in hair loss.

Making a tea rinse with these leaves is of great benefit in preventing excessive shedding of hair.

14.- Promotes healthy and shiny hair

A tea rinse made with oolong tea is mild and pleasant. It not only softens but also provides extra shine to your hair.

Oolong Tea Nutrition Facts.

Oolong tea is rich in antioxidants. It contains various minerals such as calcium, manganese, copper, carotene, selenium, potassium, and vitamins A, B, C, E, and K; In addition to these, it contains folic acid, niacinamide, and other detoxifying alkaloids.

Due to its semi-fermented nature, oolong tea contains numerous polyphenolic compounds that provide additional health benefits.

These tea leaves, like all the others, also contain trace amounts of caffeine.

The steeping process during tea preparation significantly reduces the caffeine content. A one-minute soak time reduces the caffeine content below 50 mg.

Oolong tea preparation method.

Oolong tea has a great flavor and can be consumed hot or cold. The maceration time of the leaves and the number of infusions depend on the variety of tea leaves used. The preparation method is simple and easy, here is what you need to do:

•Start by boiling some water in a kettle. Meanwhile, she rinses and heats the tea set.

•Add some oolong tea leaves to the pot so that they take up almost 5% of the space in the pot.

•Now pour boiling water (180-200 F) into the pot and push out the white floating bubbles that form on top with the help of the cover.

•Cover the kettle for a few minutes and let it steep.

The tea is now ready to drink. Pour it into teacups and savor its delicate aroma and rich flavor.

Precautions about Oolong tea.

Oolong tea is a wonderful tea, as is evident from the variety of benefits it offers. However, it is advisable to exercise caution and consume it in moderation, since this tea contains a certain amount of caffeine, drinking too much can cause side effects ranging from mild to severe headaches, nervousness, irritable bowel syndrome, irregular heartbeat, vomiting, heartburn, etc.

Pregnant women are advised to keep a tab on the number of cups of tea they consume in a day, as too much caffeine could harm the baby. Keep these tips in mind and keep enjoying your cup of tea!

 

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7 Benefits of Epazote and side effects

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Discover the 7 shocking health benefits of Epazote and side effects.

Epazote, also known as paico or acahualillo, is a widely used medicinal plant, as its essential oils contain vermifuge, antibiotic, digestive properties, and strengthen the immune system.

This plant, whose scientific name is Chenopodium Ambrosioides, grows spontaneously in lands that surround the houses, it has elongated leaves of different sizes and dark green, its flowers are small and whitish.

 

Epazote can be bought in certain markets or health food stores, in its natural form, in dehydrated leaves, or essential oil.

Because it is considered a plant with a degree of toxicity, it should preferably be used under the guidance of a health professional, in addition to the use of tea from its leaves instead of essential oil, since it contains a higher concentration of potentially toxic substances.

Health Benefits of Epazote

Although epazote is a plant that is widely used in traditional medicine, it has few studies that confirm its properties in the body.

Despite this, several investigations have been carried out with this plant in animals, concluding that it has effects such as:

1. Eliminate intestinal parasites

This is one of the most popular uses of epazote and, according to some human studies, the use of this plant has a strong action against different intestinal parasites, such as worms and tapeworms.

This action seems to be related to the main active substance in epazote, ascaridol, which is similar in efficacy to some antiparasitic drugs, such as Albendazole.

2. Benefits of epazote for immune system

According to research carried out in animals, the use of epazote extract seems to be able to regulate the production of some cells important for the body’s defense, such as macrophages and lymphocytes, strengthening the immune system.

The mixture of epazote leaves with milk is popularly used to help in the treatment of respiratory diseases, such as bronchitis and tuberculosis, due to the union of the strengthening effects of the immune system and expectorants that these substances possess.

3. Benefits of epazote for inflammation

Another common use of epazote is in the relief of inflammation, mainly joint problems, such as osteoarthritis. Additionally, the plant also helps relieve pain from inflammation.

This analgesic action was observed in the use of the alcoholic extract of the plant, which seems to act on the NMDA receptors.

4. Benefits of epazote for digestion

Although there are no studies that prove the action of this plant on poor digestion, this is one of the popular uses in which it is used the most.

According to its use, epazote tea can be taken after large meals, to improve digestion, as it could be able to increase gastric juice production.

5. Benefits of epazote for  blood pressure

In Morocco, epazote is frequently used to help treat high blood pressure and, according to studies in mice, this property is due to the stimulation of type 2 muscarinic receptors in the heart that slightly decrease the heart rate. , in addition to relaxing the heart muscle.

6. Combat bacterial, viral, and fungal infections

Both the use of epazote extract and essential oil has shown a powerful antimicrobial action that is capable of eliminating various types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

7. Avoid osteoporosis

In some investigations carried out in laboratory mice, the use of the hydroalcoholic extract of epazote was able to prevent the loss of bone density and can be applied to prevent the onset of osteoporosis, especially in women who are close to entering menopause.

Is epazote used to treat coronavirus?

study carried out in 2020 by the Oswaldo Cruz Institute, confirmed the hypothesis that the flavonoids present in epazote may be able to prevent the replication of the new coronavirus, accelerating the recovery and cure of COVID-19.

However, the study was conducted on a computer model and has not been tested in a laboratory, nor living organisms.

For this reason, the dose necessary for treatment is not known, nor are the possible side effects.

For this reason, no health organ recommends the use of epazote as a treatment for COVID-19 until new studies are carried out.

How to use epazote

The most common way to take advantage of the properties of this plant is by infusing its leaves, preparing a tea:

Epazote tea: place a cup of the fresh plant with the seeds in boiling water and let it rest for 10 minutes. Afterward, strain and drink a cup up to 3 times a day.

In addition to infusion, another popular way to use epazote is an essential oil, however, its use must be guided by a naturopath, psychotherapist, or a health professional with experience in the use of medicinal plants.

How to Make epazote tea

Ingredients
8 large stems and leaves of fresh epazote
2 quarts boiling water

Procedure

  • Add epazote to boiling water and let simmer for 2 minutes.
  • ove from heat and let steep for another 3 minutes.
  • Strain and serve.
Side effects of epazote

Side effects of epazote include irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, headache, vomiting, nausea, palpitations, damage to the liver or kidneys, visual disturbances, and seizures, in case of doses higher than recommended or for a time. longer than 3 days in a row.

Is epazote abortifacient?

In high doses, the properties of epazote can act by altering the contractility of the body’s muscles; For this reason, it can have an abortive effect in certain people, not advising its use in pregnant women.

Contraindications

Epazote is contraindicated in pregnant women and children under 2 years of age.

This medicinal herb can be toxic, requiring a medical indication to establish the recommended dose

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Contraindications and side effects of Trazodone

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Discover the Contraindications and side effects of Trazodone.

Trazodone is used in a wide variety of disorders, although it is an antidepressant.

Being depression one of the most prevalent mental disorders worldwide and one of the major causes of disability, its treatment is a matter that the scientific community has taken into account for many years.

The suffering it generates requires sometimes immediate attention since it is one of the disorders with the highest risk of suicide and that generates the most pain both for the person and for those around him.

The treatment of depression is carried out from different areas, one of them being psychopharmacology.

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One of the drugs used in the treatment of depression is trazodone, which we are going to talk about in this article.

Trazodone: what type of substance is it?

Trazodone is a psychotropic drug classified within antidepressants, substances that generate a neurochemical change at the brain level, causing alterations in the levels of certain neurotransmitters, specifically serotonin.

Among antidepressants, it is part and is the main representative of the group of serotonin-2A antagonists and reuptake inhibitors or SARIs, a type of atypical antidepressant.

This drug was designed in Italy in 1966 under the assumption that depression could be based on the existence of low thresholds regarding the perception of pain and suffering, being the product of the lack of integration of aversive experiences.

Trazodone has proven to be an efficient and effective drug in the treatment of depression, reducing passivity and inactivity, as well as the discomfort and suffering associated with said ailment, and facilitating an increase in mood.

However, in addition to this, it also has an anxiolytic and tranquilizing action.

This substance is considered a second-generation antidepressant, along with specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), with which it shares part of its mechanism of action, and different dual antidepressants.

Trazodone is sometimes considered to be dual as it has two different effects, although they focus on the same neurotransmission system, compared to the rest, and in addition to an antidepressant effect, it also has calming effects.

How does it work? Mechanism of action of the drug

As we have indicated previously, trazodone is classified as SARI, having a somewhat special mechanism of action among the rest of antidepressants.

Trazodone acts at the serotonergic system level (like most antidepressants) in two specific ways.

In the first place, this substance produces a blockage of brain serotonin reuptake, in such a way that said neurotransmitter remains in the synaptic space for a longer time.

This supposes that it has an agonist effect on the synthesis and maintenance of serotonin at the brain level, it increases its levels (which are decreased during the depression and this is something that correlates with the decrease in the mood).

The aforementioned mechanism of action is the one used by SSRIs, which is why these and trazodone are related and sometimes the latter is included among the first.

However, trazodone has a second effect that differentiates it from other drugs, and that seems contrary to the previous mechanism of action.

And it is also that it acts as an antagonist of serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, preventing or hindering these receptors from being activated.

This second aspect is what makes trazodone have a slightly different profile and effects than other antidepressants.

Regarding its interaction with other neurotransmitter systems, it does not present great anticholinergic effects, something that has made this drug a better option than tricyclics (although the doses must also be regulated) in patients with cerebrovascular and cardiac pathology and dementias.

However, it must be taken into account that it can generate arrhythmias.

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It also has a minor effect on the adrenergic (blocking some receptors) and histaminergic systems, something that can lead to the generation of side effects.

Main indications

The main indication for trazodone is obviously, as an antidepressant that it is, major depression. Its effectiveness is also high in those depressions that appear together with anxiety symptoms.

Its clinical utility has also been observed in other disorders in which there are components of anxiety or that are based on it, such as generalized anxiety disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or bulimia.

In addition to this, it has also been observed to be useful for the treatment of substance addictions, being a good alternative for patients with withdrawal syndrome to benzodiazepines, and in the treatment of alcoholism (including the presence of delirium tremens).

Another of its indications is insomnia, which is effectively reduced by increasing sleep time without greatly affecting the deep sleep phase.

Although in general, most antidepressants can have the presence of erectile dysfunction or ejaculation problems as a side effect, this effect does not usually occur in trazodone, which seems to generate an increase in libido and is even used as a treatment indicated in erectile dysfunction.

Finally, trazodone has been applied (largely for its relaxing properties) in some cases of schizophrenia, motor problems such as Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, the presence of manic episodes in bipolar disorder, and the behavioral disorders of Alzheimer’s. although a greater amount of study is required regarding the latter.

On a medical level, it has also been used as a sedative in HIV-infected patients and diabetic neuropathies, as well as in other disorders that cause pain such as fibromyalgia. It has a very slight effect at the level of muscle relaxant.

Side effects and contraindications

Trazodone is a very useful drug that has been used in multiple pathologies and disorders, both mental and medical.

However, it can have undesirable consequences in the form of side effects and is even contraindicated in some situations and pathologies.

Secondary symptoms, sedation, and fatigue, the presence of headaches, nausea, and vomiting, gastric disturbances (diarrhea or constipation), appetite disturbances, sweating, tremors (which may lead to seizures in some cases), are common. ringing, numbness, and vision problems.

In some cases, it can also cause chest and muscle pain, altered consciousness, breathing problems, and arrhythmias. Like other antidepressants, trazodone can also contribute to the genesis of suicidal ideation in the first moments of use.

Although, unlike other antidepressants, it does not seem to generate contributes to improving cases of erectile dysfunction or ejaculatory problems, the use of trazodone has been observed and associated with the appearance of priapism, erections that do not disappear on their own. alone and that cause pain to those who suffer from them (which may require urgent and even surgical treatment).

Although it is sometimes used in dementias and has a lower risk than tricyclics of generating heart problems, it requires a high degree of caution in its use and dosage carefully prescribed by the doctor, since it can generate arrhythmias.

It is contraindicated in patients who have just suffered a heart attack, as well as in those with liver or kidney disease.

Caution should be exercised in subjects with bipolarity because if the medication is not regulated, the consumption of trazodone can cause a shift from depressive to manic phase.

It is also contraindicated in people who have suffered from priapism or have Peyronie’s disease.

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Finally, it must be taken into account that trazodone can be excreted in breast milk and transmitted through the placenta so that pregnant and lactating women have contraindicated its use.

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